Dear Parents and Students,
Last week our schools worked tirelessly to put into place plans for how our school year will proceed. This week will see us implementing those plans. Beginnings are always important in setting the stage for future success. If you have not already considered important preparatory actions like, establishing a work area and setting up a routine, please take a look at last week’s newsletter, It Can Be Done.
The adults in this situation can do a lot to support our children and students in the weeks ahead, but truthfully, they can only do so much. Success moving forward also depends greatly on our students. There are certain skills that will be necessary for our students to succeed. While some students may be strong in these skills, and others weaker, they will all have the opportunity to develop, improve, and then to practice, these very important life-long skills. The unusual and unexpected situation we find ourselves in may actually be a boot camp of sorts, for these skills. I am referring to self-management skills; skills that allow us to set goals, and plan and manage our actions. Regardless of whether you are thinking, “Oh, my child is pretty good at that,” or whether you’re rolling your eyes and thinking you’re in big trouble, just consider this as an opportunity for tremendous growth, despite the starting point.
Let’s take a look at how you can assist your child this week in recognizing and developing these skills.
Things to Do:
Have a conversation with your child
Chat about seeing the potential value of this time. Discuss the specific things that can be learned in the weeks ahead. Discuss that it’s not only the course content, but also the important life-long skills of; being a self-starter, managing your time and yourself, organizing your materials, limiting distractions in order to accomplish something, reaching out for assistance when needed, and finally, having something to show in the end, for all of the time at home.
Encourage the Development of Strategies
Encourage your child to think about things they can do to support their goal of being a successful at-home learner. This is an opportunity for creativity. It’s an opportunity for them to think about what would work for them. Some of the things my students are doing include:
- Making a daily to-do list and checking off items as they go
- Filling in a weekly calendar, indicating when assignments are due
- Making a spreadsheet of teacher contact information
- Beginning work everyday at the same time
- Creating a flow chart indicating the order they will work
- Using a timer to schedule work and breaks
Implement the Basics
- Fill in the schedule template at the beginning of the week. Decide when you will work, and what you will work on. Pay attention to due dates.
- Periodically organize your workspace.
- Remove distractions while you work.
- Practice advocating for yourself, by reaching out to teachers and others, when something is unclear or you need help.
Evaluate Your Progress
- Take time at the end of each week, to evaluate how you are doing. Are you keeping up? Are you behind an assignment or two?
- If something is working for you, continue doing it.
- If you are not having the success you would like, think about where it is going wrong, and brainstorm things you can do or change in order to succeed.
- Reach out to teachers, or to me, if you need assistance.
Take Ownership
The title of this newsletter is, Success Depends on Everyone. Students, your teachers, your parents, and even the government leadership are doing their best to support you, but if success is to be yours in the weeks ahead, it is ultimately up to you. Please do not hesitate to reach out to me, if I can assist you in any way.
Stay well and healthy, and keep learning!
Alice Giarrusso
Academic Coach – Bishop Brady High School, Concord, NH
thelearningcurvecoach@gmail.com